As a new year approaches, City of Campbell River Mayor Kermit Dahl and City Manager Elle Brovold are reflecting on the achievements of 2025 and considering what’s coming up for 2026. In 2025, Council and City staff worked alongside community partners to deliver a variety of essential services, infrastructure, amenities, projects and initiatives to support Campbell River’s growing and vibrant community. The achievements of the past twelve months demonstrate a strong focus on health, safety, the economy and housing, underscoring the City’s ongoing commitment to keeping Campbell River a desirable place to live, work and play.
“Council took meaningful steps forward on projects that matter most to residents—supporting a strong local economy and the jobs that families depend on, expanding housing options for those who need them most, and tackling community safety head on,” says Mayor Kermit Dahl. “I want to acknowledge the contributions of my fellow Councillors, City staff, and the many community partners who make these accomplishments possible. Working together, we deliver programs and services that help keep Campbell River safe, resilient and thriving.”
“Every day, City staff are hard at work delivering the essential services that a community depends on from day to day — like maintaining roads and other critical infrastructure, keeping utilities running, making sure emergency services are ready to respond if needed, and so much more — while also planning for tomorrow’s growth,” says Elle Brovold, City Manager. “It’s great to look back at all that we have accomplished, as well as to look forward to the work that still lies ahead. As we move projects forward, we’re striving to strike the right balance to bring about meaningful change, recognizing that progress and compassion can go hand in hand. We’re working to accommodate Campbell River’s growth and development, revitalize the downtown and create opportunities, while also caring for its most vulnerable residents. We truly appreciate the support and various contributions of the community partners and others with whom we collaborate as we work to meet the needs of Campbell River now and into the future.”
Healthier, Safer Community
- The City increased the Bylaw Enforcement and RCMP presence, especially downtown, with proactive patrols and clean-ups.
- The City’s warming centre provided a safe, warm space for vulnerable residents on 29 of the coldest nights of the 2024/2025 winter season, supporting up to 50 folks each night.
- The City expanded supportive housing by adding an extra unit and eight additional spaces to the Homewood temporary housing site. This now provides 48 of Campbell River’s most vulnerable residents with housing and supports.
Economic Development
- Amidst ongoing global economic challenges, Council formed a business advisory team of industry leaders in early 2025. Meeting monthly, the group develops solutions for challenges to Campbell River’s economy, engages with other levels of government to highlight opportunities, and addresses community challenges, all in an effort to support local businesses and job growth.
- Downtown parking zones were increased from one to two hours.
- The City successfully pursued new connections to the community, like Harbour Air’s newly announced seasonal Vancouver service.
- The City’s award-winning CR Live Streets event series had its best year yet! Six live events in summer 2025 brought many different acts and styles of entertainment downtown. CR Live Streets received 10,000 visits, generated a $500,000 spin-off economic impact, and brought about countless smiles and happy memories for Campbell River residents. This much-loved City event series will return with more exciting entertainment for the summer 2026 season.
Community Growth
- The City added two new dog parks: one at the Robron Rotary Field House and another in Quinsam Heights. These parks have been enthusiastically welcomed by the community.
- Infrastructure investments included new pedestrian crossing infrastructure at intersections around town, necessary repaving, parks upgrades and much more.
A Look Ahead to 2026
Residents can look forward to enhancements to infrastructure, recreation, and community services that are part of the City’s ongoing commitment to supporting a healthy, safe and resilient community:
- The 2026 tax increase is set at 2.7 per cent, making it the lowest among comparable communities, while still allowing the City to invest in key priorities and infrastructure. This budget also provides more than $800,000 in grants to local non-profit organizations.
- Reimagine the Row construction will begin.
- Enhancements are coming to Nunn’s Creek Park, including slo-pitch fields, a festival area and other facilities.
- Big Rock Boat Ramp improvements will be in place for the 2026 summer season, with improved parking and traffic flow to help residents get the most out the Campbell River waterfront!
- The Erickson Road Renewal Project will address water and storm service infrastructure needs in that area of the city.
- The City will be bringing another excitement-packed summer season of its CR Live Streets events and other entertainment to the downtown.
- A new pedestrian connection within the Pinecrest Road Right-of-Way will provide a connection from the top of the ridge to the waterfront.
- A new parkland development will be coming to Quinsam Heights.
- The City will continue to add housing units to Campbell River’s housing supply.
- The City will keep advocating to senior governments for non-market housing, long-term care and community supports.
More information about the City, what we’re working on and opportunities to get involved is available on our website at campbellriver.ca.
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Contact: Elle Brovold, City Manager | 250-286-5709 | Elle.Brovold@campbellriver.ca
Image: The City of Campbell River’s 2025 CR Live Streets Caribbean Night event (Photo: Wild Shay Photography.)
Image: New supportive housing units arrive at the Homewood temporary housing site. (Photo: City of Campbell River.)
Image: Homewood temporary housing initiative (Photo: City of Campbell River.)
Image: Big Rock Boat Ramp parking area (Photo: City of Campbell River.)
